Thursday, July 30, 2009

The Ottawa Senators have announced they've signed Keegan Dansereau to an Amateur Try-Out Agreement (ATO).This from the Sens website:'The club announced the signing of forwards Keegan Dansereau and Brandon Svendsen to amateur tryout agreements."Dansereau, 21, recently completed major junior eligibility with the Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos, tallying career highs in goals (37), assists (44) and points (81) in 69 games during the 2008-09 season. An undrafted free agent, Dansereau attended the Florida Panthers’ training camp in 2007 and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ training camp in 2008."

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

This is becoming an annual blog feature. It's an opportunity to get excited about the upcoming Broncos season with training camp about three weeks away.

Without further adieu, here are my top 10 reasons with a special bonus in the middle.

10. Mike Brown

Many believe the best is yet to come out of the Broncos 19 year-old forward. The time for that is now. Brown's coming out party may have been the last couple weeks of the regular season and playoffs against the Medicine Hat Tigers. Brown showed a commitment to physical fitness in the 2nd half of the season and really started to dedicate himself to the game. You talk to some of his current and former teammates and they agree that Mike Brown is due for a big season in his 19 year-old year. Time will tell.

9. Geordie Wudrick

An up and down season best sums up Geordie's year. It took until October 25th (15 games) for Wudrick to score his first goal of the season. After Christmas Geordie caught fire including a seven game goal scoring streak and a 14 game point streak from mid-February to mid-March. In those 14 games, Wudrick scored 12 times.

It's his 19 year-old season and maybe a fresh start under Mark Lamb will help.

Geordie has the tools to be a dominant player but will need to remember nothing comes easy in the WHL. Once he figured that out last season he was a force to reckon with in the 2nd half.

8 Reece ScarlettThe Broncos 1st round bantam pick from 2008 should crack the line-up as a 16 year-old defenseman. Reece will play a steady game but don't expect him to be an impact player for at least for a couple years. His games as a 15 year-old drew some rave reviews. He's a player for Bronco fans to keep an eye on for the coming years.

7. Tyler Amburgey

There's a good chance the Broncos could see American-born defenseman Tyler Amburgey at training camp following two seasons in the U.S. National Development Program.

Amburgey is pegged at being a solid defenseman with good size and some grit. The 18 year-old has the potential to come in and be a top-four defensmen with the team this season. But first, he has to be at camp for that to happen. I don't know a lot more about the situation. It's definitelysomething to watch in the coming weeks.

6. Michael Stickland

Depending on the Broncos 20 year-old situation, Stickland could play a major role up-front with this year's team. At times he was the Broncos best player after being acquired at the trade deadline from the Kootenay Ice. He collected 24 points in 23 games in the regular season after joining the Broncos. He was then their leading scorer in the playoffs recording seven points in seven games against Medicine Hat.

The Red Deer native is one of five potential 20 year-olds on the roster which included D Eric Doyle, D Derek Claffey, D Ryan Molle and F Matt Tassone**Bonus**

Evan Richardson

He's only 15, and isn't eligible to play in the WHL full time this year but several people I've talked to are excited about getting a first look at the Broncos 1st round bantam pick from this summer. The small, speedy and shifty Richardson out of Nanaimo, BC should turn some heads at rookie camp. He's projected to be a future top-scorer in the WHL.Mark Lamb

A new outlook on things from behind the bench will be something to watch for. After five years of Dean Chynoweth as the Head Coach/General Manager, now Mark Lamb gets a chance to put his stamp on things.

He talked about wanting to play an 80's "Edmonton Oilers" style of play when he was first was introduced as the Broncos front man. He likes good skating teams who provide a lot of puck pressure. It should be interesting.

5. Matt Tassone

Here's hoping Taz can regain the form he found last season before season ending shoulder surgery. In fact, the over-age forward had both shoulders surgically repaired in the last few months. Named the regular season MVP for his break-out offensive season, Tassone isn't expected to be ready for the start of the year. In fact, it could be a couple months into the season before he's able to play in a WHL game.When he's healthy, he will be a top offensive threat. I'm hoping the rest of Matt's recovery goes well and he can put the injury problems behind him for his final season in the WHL.

Like last season, I'm thinking the Broncos could be in a position to carry four over-age players similar to last year's Jesse Dudas situation. Once Dudas was cleared to play - which was around Christmas, the Broncos had two weeks to make a move to get down to the allotted three spots. This another wait and see scenario.

4. Eric Doyle

The Broncos defenseman tells me he's ready for a big season. The offensively gifted d-man scored one of the nicest goals in the WHL last season in his coast-to-coast rush against the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Doyle was one of the top offensive rearguards last season collecting 55 points in 71 regular season games. He is the top powerplay QB and has proven to be very durable despite a first round concussion against Medicine Hat in game three that ended his season.

The Calgary native should be motivated to play for an NHL contract. Expect him to be a top three point producer amongst WHLdefenseman.

3. Taylor Vause

The well-liked 2nd year Bronco should have a big offensive season. Showing flashes of brilliance at times, Taylor is a player you can't help but like and cheer for.

It's his NHL draft year and a 50-60 point season for Vause won't be out of the question providing he stays healthy.

Here's hoping Taylor Vause continues to progress into an elite forward in the WHL.

2. Cody Eakin

What haven't we said about Cody Eakin already? Cody will come into the new year fresh off the World Junior Development camp in Saskatoon. The 3rd round pick of the Washington Capitals played in 55 games last season scoring 24 goals and adding 24 assists. We all know he's more than scoring, it's the little things he does on the ice and the energy he creates. He's one of the top fore-checking centers in the league and created offense because of it.

Derek Claffey is set to return as captain of the hockey team but Cody Eakin would also be a strong choice as well. Cody pretty much has the "C" sewn up for next season after Claffey's

Let's hope Cody can avoid injury problems and play a major role in any team success this year.

1. Justin Dowling

This may come as a bit of a surprise at #1 but after a break-out 66 point season, expect a lot more from Dowling in his 19 year-old year.

If Dowling can play in most of the games like he did last season (71 of 72), expect him to lead the team in scoring and chase an 80-90 point season as a top line player.

Passed over at the NHL draft, Dowling recently attended Pittsburgh Penguins development camp. I'm expecting him to attend their fall camp as well.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

After being left off the initial roster, Broncos forward Cody Eakin will get a look to compete for a spot at the World Junior Championships this December and January in Saskatchewan.

He's been a late invite to the camp in Regina. Here's the Broncos news release:

Swift Current Broncos’ forward Cody Eakin has been added to the World Junior development camp roster.

The World Junior development camp takes place August 5th-10th in Saskatoon and will feature Canada’s top 45 Under 20 players available for the 2010 IIHF World Junior Tournament hosted by the Province of Saskatchewan.

Eakin has previously represented Canada twice on the International stage, most recently at the World Under 18 championships in North Dakota this past Spring.

Swift Current will host a World Junior pre-competition game in December.

The awesome par three 17th at the Springs Course at Radium. This picture doesn't do it justice.

Hole #2 at the beautiful Golden Golf Club. We all had a great time... this is one of the few fairways I hit that day. We played the Springs at Radium, Windermere Valley, Golden and Calgary's Heather Glen on the way back.

After nearly a week out in BC/Alberta it's time to get back to work.

Can you believe they are making ice again at the i-plex? Work began on the weekend and the slow process will take most of the week. Bronco rookies arrive August 17th.

Meanwhile, renos continue in the Broncos dressing room. A lot of work is being done. I'll try to snap a few pics in the next week.

The Broncos are sending out a news release later today. It's great news for one of the players and the organization.

I'll post it later today when it's released.

New Head Coach/GM Mark Lamb is now working out of the Broncos office as training camp gets closer and closer.

Later this week I will do the annual "10 Reasons to Be Excited for the Season" post.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

The first was the audio presentation played at Friday's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. I produced the piece with help from team members Tim Tisdale, Lorne Frey, Darren and Trevor Kruger, Peter Soberlak, Peter Kasowski, Bob Wilkie, John Foster (Public Relations) and John Enns (play-by-play broadcaster).

Sunday, July 19, 2009

You barely have time to catch your breath and then it's back at it here Monday morning at the radio station. This post is a little long, but it could be the one of the last for awhile with some holidays set to kick in...

The Broncos along with Wellington West hosted a fantastic Hall of Fame weekend as the 1988-89 championship team went into the Hall of Fame. The weekend started with our Eagle 94.1 FM Pre Hall of Fame Party at BP's and was non-stop from that point. I didn't take a lot of pics but here's a few:

A full clubhouse for the after golf meal and prizes. Low team fired a 55 I believe

Our team! The round lasted nearly eight hours in the heat. We battled it out for a 63. That's Carol in the pink (Broncos Office Manager), Brenda (tickets/souvenirs/website), Keegan (Media and PR), and Jordan (Business Operations). This is the 2nd year in a row we've golfed together.

Nice shot Keegs. This is the new Ford Mustang Keegan found behind the 5th green as he flew the green by 20 yards. The car will be in for some dent repair this morning at Cypress Motors I'm thinking.

The guys. Left to right: Dale Weise in his Joey Jeremiah lid, Assistant coach Tim Kehler, Keegan and former Broncos captain Zack Smith. Dale and Zack believe the daily blog hits at Keen's Korner go through the roof whenever they're mentioned! Both of these guys will push for a full-time NHL job this fall, Dale in New York and Zack in Ottawa.

There was a special DVD presentation commemorating the championship season that myself and Christian Moulding from Shaw TV teamed up for. I would love to post the nine minute video here at some point if I can figure out how to do that. The audio will be used in a Broncos broadcast this season. You can also check out sc.broncos.com at some point this week. The plan is to upload it to the site.

If anyone knows a real easy way of posting audio/video through blogger please leave a comment on the bottom of the post. Thanks.

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The Hall of Fame ceremony had a special guest show up. In typical Joe Sakic fashion, the NHL legend just slid into the Auditorium unannounced. It didn't take long for the folks to pick up on his presence though. He spent a lot of the night talking to fans and posing for pictures.

(courtesy scbroncos.com)

Joe played with most of the guys on the Hall of Fame team the previous two years but left in his 19 year-old season to play for the Quebec Nordiques.

He too a few minutes for to answer some of my questions. The interview will be used for our radio station sports and an upcoming Bronco broadcast feature and perhaps WHL This Week when the new season gets going.

Joe says he's just looking forward to being a dad to his kids and taking it slow for the time being. It sounds like he plans to learn a bit of the management side with the Avalanche at some point. He's a top notch guy all the way. The folks in these parts are proud to call him a former Bronco as well they should be.

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I'll be taking some holidays the rest of the week as we're planning on a little golf vacation and get-together in the Radium/Fairmont area.

Can you believe the new hockey season is right around the corner with training camp less than a month away?

I'm also planning to step up some radio station duties. I've been the acting News Director since the departure of Jessica Williams a few months ago and it looks like that the "acting" title will be dropped at some point. I don't know exactly what that means but it could mean less time for things like this blog/Broncos and more hands-on with the operations of the radio station and it's personnel.

Anyways, that it's for me. Enjoy the summer, it'll be over before you know it.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Here's a few comments taken out of the Broncos tele-conference to introduce Mark Lamb as the Broncos new Head Coach/General Manager.

"It's my job to keep building the Broncos to the top of the league. I'm not going to make any predictions or promises but people who know me know that the bar has been raised very hard on the standards I have for myself and the organization. People in Swift Current have a passion for hockey, that is one of the many reasons I can't wait to come back and get this job started."

On the type of team and player make-up he's looking for....

"I'm a very honest, hard working guy and I expect the players to be the same way. If they're honest, come to camp in shape and put the honest work in and come prepared they will have no problem with me."

On the style of play he'll be after....

"I'm from the old Edmonton Oilers background that we're going to be a lot of puck pressure, a lot of hard fore-checking and playing with the puck a lot. I have a sense that's the way it's going to be.

On what he can teach the players....

"I was never a guy that was given anything. I had to work really hard to make it to the NHL. There was a lot of stuff I had to overcome, I had to go down to the minors, I was traded around a few times...but to persevere, you just have to keep going on. That's something I can relate to the players. I think when they look at me they can see light at the end of the tunnel. They can look at me and say "man, maybe I can do that".

On the current staff and the plans moving forward...

"The staff that is in place right now is a very good staff. I've talked to a few of them on the phone. Dean (Chynoweth) did a very good job getting these guys signed. The organization is on the upward swing. I don't see any need to do any firings or move these guys around. They've done a good job and for me I think they can really help me a lot. I'm looking forward to working with them and hopefully having a long future with these guys."

The pre-Hall of Fame event went over well. The 1989 Memorial Cup Championship game was replayed on the big screen TVs in the lounge. I was surprised to see everyone watching it as if it was a live game and the outcome undetermined. When Tim Tisdale's OT winner found the back of the net, a huge cheer came up with the crowd. It was a lot of fun.

Here's a few pics from last night's event at Boston Pizza. Thanks to Eagle afternoon jock Sean Finell for the pics. Thanks to Wade and the staff for their hospitality.

We had about half the group make it down for the event. The Broncos are expecting 20 of the 23 players from the team to attend tonight's Hall of Fame ceremony. It's amazing to see how many players from the team are or were involved in a coaching/management role. They include Tim Tisdale (back middle) - Regina Pats, Danny Lambert (front, 2nd from left) Kelowna Rockets, Blake Knox (front middle) Seattle Thunderbirds, Lorne Frey (right of Knox) Kelowna Rockets and Darren Kruger (right of Frey) Medicine Hat Tigers.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

The Broncos used a tele-conference this afternoon to officially announce Mark Lamb as the team's new Head Coach / General Manager.

Here was the News Release:

Swift Current, SK --- The Swift Current Broncos Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Mark Lamb has been named the new Head Coach and General Manager of the hockey club, signing a multi-year deal.

The 45 year old Lamb comes to the Broncos after spending the last 7 seasons as an assistant coach in the National Hockey League, the past 6 years in Dallas with the Stars. Lamb started his coaching career with the Edmonton Oilers in 2001.

The Broncos’ Board of Directors was enthusiastically unanimous in their decision to hire Lamb. “We are very excited to take this step forward as an organization” comments Board Chairman Al Stewart “we feel that Mark’s experience as a coach and a player in the NHL will provide great leadership for our organization.”

Lamb is familiar with Southwest Saskatchewan, born and raised in the Swift Current area. Mark played with the Broncos when the team was in the SJHL in 1980. Lamb then went on to play with the Billings Bighorns, Medicine Hat Tigers and the Nanaimo Islanders in the WCHL before starting a 16 year professional career. Lamb was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the 4th round 72nd over-all in 1982. Over his NHL career with the Flames, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens, Lamb played 403 NHL regular season games and 70 playoff games. He tallied 172 points over his career which includes winning the 1990 Stanley Cup with the Oilers.

Lamb becomes the 6th Head Coach in Broncos history succeeding Dean Chynoweth, who accepted an assistant coaching position with the New York Islanders.

The Broncos would like to welcome Mark and his wife Tanya along with their daughters Adriana and Regan and son Hunter to Swift Current. Lamb’s first day in Swift Current will be July 24th.

------------------I'll post the audio transcript of Mark Lamb's thoughts in taking over the role with the Broncos. He addressed everything today from his aspirations to the type of team he wants moving forward to the current Broncos staff situation.

Right now, we're getting set for our Pre-Hall of Fame Party tonight at BP's.

I'd like to welcome Mark, his wife Tanya and three children Adriana (19), Regan (12) and Hunter (9) back to Swift Current.

Here's some recent thoughts on local hockey product Travis Moen agreeing to terms with the Montreal Canadiens back on Friday.

The Canadiens will be Moen's 4th NHL team as he enters his 6th season in the NHL. Moen had made it clear earlier in the free agent season he wanted to re-sign with San Jose or at least stay on the west coast. It didn't happen, and now he's is headed to a hockey frenzy market. It's something he's preparing himself for.

"I'm pretty excited to go to Montreal, it's an original six team with a rich history. It will be a lot different from the west coast but it will be a fun experience at the same time."

He admits they were working hard to re-sign with the Sharks.

"I liked it out on the west coast, San Jose was great. We just couldn't get anything worked out. But I'm excited about going to Montreal and finally getting to play in Canada."

As for his role with the Habs, he expects to provide the same thing he's been doing over his first five NHL seasons.

"I haven't talked to them much but they are looking for me to come in and play physical and be good defensively which works for me. I'm looking forward to going to camp and meeting all the new faces. Hopefully we can mesh well together and have a good run."

Moen agreed to a three-year deal. A longer term deal was what he was after. No word if that was the sticking point with the Sharks.

D Spencer McAvoy recently attended Columbus Blue Jackets camp and has been asked back for the fall camp.

F Matt Tassone will attend Dallas Stars camp but will more than likely not be recovered for a pair of shoulder surgeries in the off-season.

G Morgan Clark recently attended Vancouver Canucks prospects camp

F Geordie Wudrick will head back to Los Angeles Kings training camp while D John Negrin will push for a spot at Calgary Flames camp in the fall.

Players like Spencer McAvoy (graduated), Travis Yonkman (graduated), John Negrin (Calgary Flames signed player), will not be back with the team. The other six are all elgible to return for this season.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Sources are indicating the Swift Current Broncos could have a new Head Coach/General Manager by week's end.

The selection committee will meet with the Board of Directors tomorrow and at that point put forward recommendations for approval.

If the Board gives the recommendations the green light, it's expected a contract offer will be made at that point.

Several sources have indicated all along that local product Mark Lamb is the front-runner. It's expected he will be introduced officially by Thursday or Friday if an agreement can be reached.It's expected that current Assistant General Manager Sheldon Ferguson and Assistant Coach Tim Kehler will at the very least stay in their current roles or have an increased role moving forward.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

It's going to be a a fun week ahead for sure. There's several events planned to help celebrate the Broncos Hall of Fame weekend and annual Wellington West Broncos Golf Classic.

It all begins Thursday night with the Eagle 94.1 FM'sPre-Hall of Fame party at Boston Pizza. Chance and I will co-emcee the event.

It's an exclusive event, your chance to win tickets continues on the Eagle morning show this week.

It's going to be a fun way to kick-off the weekend.

Friday night, it's the official Hall of Fame ceremony at the Credit Union i-plex Auditorium where the entire 1988-89 Memorial Cup Championship team will be inducted.

I produced an audio feature for the evening which will coincide with a video. I'm hoping to post the audio on the blog later this week if anyone cares to listen.

Saturday is the golf tournament, and we all know that will be a good time. I've talked to several alumni this summer and they are all planning to get back for the event.

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Will there be announcement this week?

It's been a month since Dean Chynoweth announced his resignation as Broncos Head Coach/General Manager.

The Board of Directors Selection Committee has conducted interviews and you have to think an offer has been extended but nothing has been official. I'll look more into it today. Some of the members have been on holidays this past week so not a lot of information was available.

Broncos training camp opens in about five weeks. The clock is ticking.

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Local product Travis Moen is now a Montreal Canadien. I was fishing on the weekend out at the 'Landing (near Stewart Valley) when I got a text message confirming the deal was done.

I know he was hoping to stay out on the west coast and possibly re-sign with San Jose. Obviously that didn't happen. He know heads under the hockey microscope after playing in virtual obscurity the past few seasons in Anaheim and San Jose.

Moen will add some grit to an undersized Habs team which has made some big signings and deals in the off-season. I hope to blog some of his thoughts later this week....

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There's been a lot of great Joe Sakic articles since he announced his retirement last week. Here's one.

Here's another good read from sportsnet.ca that talks with more of a Swift Current angle.

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Lastly, congrats to Tommy Skelton. He aced the par 4, 16th at the Elmwood on Saturday. Anyone who knows the layout knows it's almost an impossible shot on the dog-leg right over the hill. Tommy, who works at the course pulled off the amazing double-eagle ace with his Callaway driver.... ask him about if you see him.

That's it for today. I'm hoping for a Head Coach/GM update later today if possible.

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

I was going to blog a story about the Kelowna Rockets new Assistant Coach but I can see my friend Regan in Kelowna beat me to it.

Learned on the golf course tonight that Danny Lambert has been hired as an Assistant Coach of the Kelowna Rockets.

Lambert is set to be honored next weekend along with his 1988-89 Bronco teammates as this year's Hall of Fame recipients.

Good hire by the Rockets. The Swift Current-to-Kelowna pipeline continues with Lorne Frey as Director of Player Personnel, Ryan Cuthbert as another Assistant Coach and Regan Bartel as the team's radio broadcaster.

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Former Bronco Jeremy Williams has signed a contract with the Detroit Red Wings after spending the last five years in the the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. That will be a tough line-up to crack but here's hoping he gets a chance.

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No update on the next Broncos Head Coach/GM.... hopefully something by week's end.

Monday, July 06, 2009

Could the next Broncos General Manager or Head Coach/General Manager be named this week?

From what I was told a couple weeks ago, the Broncos BOD were more than likely going to come a decision some time this week. Perhaps they already have, and now are trying to work out contract details.

In any event, I should know more later today.

Making an announcement this week would still be deemed quick by my standards. The position has been officially vacant for five days with Chynoweth's resignation effective July 1st.

I'm on holidays starting later this week, but hope to be somewhere in the mix when the announcement is made.

I will post an update later today if possible.....

The Broncos Organization is nearing Hall of Fame weekend (July 17-18). The entire 1989 Memorial Cup Championship team will go into the Hall of Fame with the ceremony on that Friday. The annual Wellington West/Broncos Golf Classic will then be held Saturday. A lot of alumni will be in attendance for this one. I'll take the digi camera and snap some pics from the event.

The Eagle 94.1 FM is also hosting a pre Hall of Fame Party at Boston Pizza on the Thursday night leading up (July 16th). We are going to host the players from the '89 team and are running on-air contests for exclusive access to the event.

We're gonna throw on the '89 Memorial Cup Final vs Saskatoon onto the big screen and have a good time with the night.

Bronco fans, I'd suggest you catch the Eagle Morning Show this week for your chance to win your way into the event.

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The Rider win Friday night was entertaining to say the least. A win is a win right? Broncos Public and Media Relations Director Keegan Goodrich is a Lions fan being that he's from the lower mainland. He didn't enjoy the game as much as I did Friday.

Speaking of Broncos staff, I believe a new Game-day Coordinator begins today. His name escapes me at the moment. It sounds like he has plenty of experience in working with sports teams and organizations. I'm sure he'll do a fine job.

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Over the years we've joked about how many Broncos end up with the Silvertips but at the NHL level it's the Maple Leafs who are leading the way lately.

The personable Colton Orr (who also had WHL stops in Kamloops and Regina) just signed a four-year $4m deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Although Orr's stint with the Broncos lasted just a season and a half, he made a good impression in his time here.

A million bucks a season is a pretty good haul for an enforcer. I think Colton did pretty good.

That brings me to my first point - The Leafs have had a recent pipeline from the Broncos.

The Leafs also have former Bronco Ian White under contract while Ben Ondrus just became a UFA and Jeremy Williams a RFA.

Still waiting to see where local product Travis Moen ends up with his UFA status. He made it clear he would like to re-sign with San Jose. We will see what the week brings.

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Ok now to the real reason you logged on today...to find out the latest news regarding the Broncos search for a Head Coach / GM.

Nothing new to report today on that front. There was a tasty little rumour that former Dallas Stars Head Coach Dave Tippett had put his name forward. I made a few phone calls just to follow up and turns out there's no stalk in that one at all. Tippett will be coaching in the NHL by Christmas you would think. He has to be near the top of the list for an NHL team looking to make a change.

If it's too good to be true than it probably is.

The BOD is hoping to have things finalized within a week but it could be longer depending on every ones schedule.

Twitter @jonkeenNLsports

Jon Keen is the play-by-play voice for the Kamloops Blazers of the Western Hockey League and host of the "WHL This Week" Radio Show which is available at whl.ca.
After spending seven seasons as play-by-play broadcaster for the Swift Current Broncos, Jon headed west to call games for the Blazers for the start of the 2010-11 season on Radio NL
Jon has covered some major events in the sports world including NHL drafts in Ottawa (twice), Raleigh, NC, Vancouver and Columbus.